Airic looked himself over, coming to the realization he should've washed up a little first. He had various art materials clinging to his hands and clothing, he could only imagine how many smudges he had on his face. Nonetheless, he straightened out his clothing and combed his fingers through his hair in attempts to make himself slightly more presentable. He never put much thought towards his appearance but he had always made a point in looking presentable enough. A habit he had picked up back in his days with the Rebels. Their boss had ingrained into them the importance of appearance, to always look composed and neat, something about respect. Being the spouse of the leader of this city, he knew he ought to try a little harder in keeping up his appearance. He made his way towards the doors, looking like a walking art project albeit a handsome one. Airic opened the doors and slipped inside, expecting to be approached by guards almost immediately. To his surprise, the main floor appeared both empty and quiet, the doors shutting with a click behind him. If he remembered correctly his wife's office was seven floors up and he fully intended on taking the stairs. Without waiting for one of the guards to notice he was there, he started for the stairs.

Mathias had busied himself with tidying up the house a little bit while they waited for Pyra's parents to arrive. He couldn't help the sense of doubt that flickered in the back of his mind, like a trick candle that wouldn't go out no matter how many times you tried to make it. Kota had dozed off a while ago and to avoid waking her he made his way to the kitchen. He was cleaning up as quietly as he could when the knock reached his ears, jolting him from his working trance. He draped the soaking rag over the sink and wiped his forehead, heading for the door. Unfortunately, Kota beat him to it, sending a jolt of fear through him. He hurried after her, relieved when she identified the owners of the knock as her parents. He hung back to give the family their moment, chewing on his lip anxiously.

Crypt looked to the door when it opened, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. His gaze settled on their daughter who was already looking far better since they had visited her in the hospital, although sleepy as well. He looked to Pyra when she spoke and chuckled softly, offering his hands up in an apologetic manner. "Ah, what can I say, I got distracted. I'm sorry for the delay," He took the blame in stride. He rested his hand against Pyra's lower back to urge her inside, not wanting them to stand out in the open for too long.

Lucy bit her lip lightly, glancing down at the folder once more before she sighed in frustration. There were too many things to take care of. Sometimes she wondered why she even took this job, surely there was someone more suited for this position? No, she had been chosen for a reason, she had to keep to her promises she made when they swore her in. Even if some days were tough it was okay for there were the good days that made all the bad things worth it. Perhaps she should organize a little better, take care of things inside the city then those out of the city. Although sometimes the things outside were far more dangerous than what was inside, but she could not see what was more dangerous than Hunters coming into their city...they were far more brave than what she remembered. I'll have to look at the gates...see if there's a way to reinforce them, something...she thought, gently running her left hand through her auburn hair which was already a mess. It looked as if she hadn't brushed it in quite some time, but really it had been a few hours...she just had a habit of running fingers through her hair when she felt stressed which quickly ruined it. No one but her guards were here so she didn't need to worry about looking all put together at the moment. Hmm...these Hunters...

Kota pouted at her parents, quickly waving them inside and closing the door behind them. It was dangerous to let them linger in the open doorway for too long, not that she thought anyone was outside right now to spot them but one never knew. "Distracted?" She blinked, looking at her mother with a smirk. One could say she didn't know much of relationships, but she did know how her father could be with her mother. It was silly, but she would still pretend to be upset. "You just didn't want to see me did you?" A huff left her as she turned away to see Mathias standing in the kitchen doorway, a hint of concern on his face but she didn't realize why until she thought about it. Opening the door like that had been a not so good idea, what if it had been someone bad out there? After all she had just been attacked, she had to be more careful now. "You can sit if you like..."she muttered, motioning to the two grey couches; one shorter than the other. There wasn't much color to their furniture now that she looked at it...she and Mathias just weren't colorful people she supposed.

Pyra smiled lightly. They couldn't hide much from her, she was too smart and she imagined she got that from Crypt. The Power of Observation that is. Both were quite opento the world around them, not much got by them. Of course some things did, but that was expected. She waved away her thoughts, looking her over for any obvious injuries as they moved into the home, knowing they were most likely all healed but she would always worry. Dakota looked as if she had just woken up, and there were dark circles under her eyes. A frown crossed her lips but she didn't say a word, sticking close to Crypt for her own comfort as she moved along the carpeted floor towards the couches. Surely they weren't in any danger in here but she was still wary.

Airic made it up the flights of stairs without coming across a single guard though there were moments where he could hear them nearby. That was reassuring, he was beginning to fear no one was here. His wife could no doubt protect herself but he couldn't help but feel concerned anyways, especially with these Hunters that were so bold as to come into the city and attack. He came across her door silently and nervously smoothed out his clothes and hair. The flowers still grasped lightly in his hands, a smile slipping across his lips. He felt an ache in his chest; he needed to see her again, to hear her voice, to hold her again. He reached up with a hand and lightly rapped on the door, taking the smallest step back as he waited patiently. After all, he wanted to give her some notice that someone was there. He hoped she would have at least a little time to spend with him, a break from her hard work. Even if she's busy...it'll be nice to at least get to see her and make sure she's doing alright. Lucy worked too hard, harder than anyone he's ever met and he was proud of that. However, she failed to take care of herself as well. That's what I'm here for though, to make sure she is taken cared of.

Crypt smirked faintly, if one didn't know any better they would think him to be sheepish. He chuckled and kissed Pyra on the side of the head briefly before they walked into the house. "Not that at all, we hurried over as soon as we could. It's your mother's fault really," he teased. He felt more relaxed now that they were inside and away from prying eyes. His gaze flickered around the room, taking in all the little details. It was pretty simplistic, but as long as it was home for Dakota that was all that mattered. He glanced towards Mathias briefly, unable to deny the hybrid still put him on edge, but he simply looked away and moved towards the couches after Pyra. "How are you doing, Dakota?" he asked, taking a seat on the gray furniture.

Mathias looked at Kota and smiled a little, dipping his head before he turned and disappeared back into the kitchen. He wanted to let them enjoy some family time, besides he wasn't quite comfortable at the moment either.

Closing the one folder she grabbed another that she had brought with her to the window, opening it and looking at the photo clipped to the corner. It was of a white haired girl with silver eyes, the label 'missing' at the top of the paperwork in bold italics. The girl hadn't gone missing that long ago, but the people of the city knew each other fairly well and when one happened to go missing or was harmed word quickly spread. Lucy didn't know her that well, had never gotten the chance to really talk to her, but she knew Airic and Nicholas had befriended her back in the old city. Did he know, she wondered. He tended to shut himself in his art studio at home when she wasn't there so it was highly possible he didn't. The guard she had spoken to didn't think she was kidnapped, her home hadn't been broken into and was in order aside from her sheets having been thrown off the bed. It was a curious thing, vampires didn't normally just run off...but before it could flow too deep through her mind a knock at the door disrupted her thoughts. Her crystal blue eyes shot to the heavy door, a guarded look to her but she relaxed after a moment. If someone was here to visit her guards would first let her know and they definitely wouldn't let anyone untrustworthy come to her office directly. It was probably a guard letting her know there would be a shift change or something so she felt no concern as she smoothed out her hair to look somewhat presentable and looked back at the folder. "Come in." She called out, leaning against the window sill to seem a bit more relaxed than what she was.

Kota watched her parents as they sat down on one of the couches, her mother next to her father. They seemed so unfamiliar yet familiar at the same time, she supposed it was due to how long they had been apart and surely they had changed just as much as she had. Yet they were still her parents and there was no taking that bond away, ever, it wasn't possible. She looked at Mathias as he vanished back into the kitchen, feeling a little less safe now that he was gone. Her parents wouldn't ever hurt her or allow her to be hurt she knew, but Mathias had been taking care of her for so long now that they had a kind of bond of their own. Whatever that bond was she wasn't truly sure, but she chose to simply push all of that away and focus on her parents. They had come a long way to see her, risking their safety in the process. "It isn't nice to blame mom for your faults." She said scoldingly, looking at her father as she sat down on the other couch. He had always blamed her mother for silly things just as her mother blamed him, it was part of their affection for one another and was one thing that always made her giggle as a child. It was nice to remember moments from her childhood, it hadn't been any less complicated what with her father always having to work back then but to little Dakota life had been oddly perfect. However she didn't get to spend long dwelling on her memories, her father's question reminding her of her current predicament and the fear she now always felt. "I don't know...my wounds are healed..."she muttered and stared down at her arms, trying to avoid thinking about her mental state but she was sure they could tell. Didn't parents always know how their child felt? As a child she used to have these terrible nightmares that would cause her to wake up screaming, how she felt since the attack made all of those times seem minor in comparison. How was she doing? Not great, not great at all. He could come back...he will come back...she thought, hugging herself.

Pyra frowned painfully, sensing the fear in their daughter. It frustrated her, knowing Damian had survived all this time. She knew well the kind of damage he could inflict having been the receiver of his anger so long ago. The fear she felt after each time he came after her echoing through her mind, knowing exactly how her daughter felt. Why her of all people? What did he hope to gain by going after her? Revenge? She sighed, studying Dakota closely, knowing that bringing him up would be enough to startle her. "You're safe now..."

There was pause between the knock and the familiar voice that wasn’t long at all and yet felt like an eternity. Judging by her tone of voice she wasn’t expecting him, but then again that had kind of been the point. He wanted to surprise her though he still worried she would be upset he was interrupting her work. He waved these concerns aside, she needed a break anyways. It’s been a bit since she’s been able to come home and he could only keep himself occupied with his art for so long.

Airic cleared his throat a little, smoothed his hair out again, and opened the door quietly. He didn’t quite enter the room, lingering just outside of the door as he pushed it open. His gaze immediately fell on the figure leaning against the window sill, trying to look relax but in vain. He knew her too well. Despite all his concerns and thoughts, he smiled. It was a warm and happy smile, his eyes glimmered at the sight of her. His darling Lucy. “Hello Miss Lucy,” he called in to get her attention, his voice light. At this he took a small step inside the door, only vaguely aware of the murmur of nearby guards. Somewhere in the back of his mind he figured they were finally aware of his presence but he hardly cared about that right now.

Crypt smiled a little at this and cast a sideways glance at his wife, they both blamed each other for everything but it was always out of love. He returned his gaze towards their daughter and he studied her closely with that keen observing eye he’s always had. Physically she seemed fine, as she said her wounds at healed. The physical wounds anyways. He felt a sudden spark of anger, a deep fury towards the man that continued to hurt the ones he loved. He reached over to take Pyra’s hand, needing some sense of reassurance to keep his temper in check. Damian… he thought bitterly, sensing the fear that lingered in the air. His expression revealed none of his anger though, he imagined they all knew it was there.

“How is…Mathias?” he asked, not wanting to bring up Damian right now. Perhaps that would be a conversation for a much later time. They had a lot to catch up on. He had only briefly seen the Hybrid and the man seemed to have enough courtesy to leave them be for the time being.

The amount of problems the city had seemed to be never ending. No matter if she was at home or at work everything lingered within her mind. Her brain was always wide awake, but admittedly at home she was a little more relaxed. Airic didn't let her work when she was home, but she barely went home and perhaps that was why. The more time she spent there was less time spent searching for solutions. It wasn't right, but that's just who she was. Besides an old friend of his was missing so she felt more of a need to figure things out. Yet her brain, and the world itself almost, seemed to stop as the door to her office opened and that chalk smell filled the air. It hit her nose before his voice reached her ear, such an oddly familiar scent to her ever since they left the Fallen City. Art kept him busy and happy so she had no reason to complain, but she did acquire a scolding look as she looked away from the paperwork to where he was standing. She had that odd feeling that he didn't check in downstairs before coming up here.

"You're going to wind up giving my guards a heartattack one of these days if you keep sneaking in here." She muttered and it was clear she wasn't unhappy to see him despite the tone in her voice. Had she not just been thinking about him about an hour ago? Or had it been longer...truth be told she tended to lose track of time when she was here. The happy feeling faded slightly after a minute as worry settled in, he didn't need a reason to come here and yet she couldn't help but feel that something was wrong. Perhaps she was just dreading telling him about his friend. Bad news was never pleasant to share, especially to your loved ones. Lucy was still in work mode too. "Why are you here? Did something happen?"

Pyra squeezed Crypt's hand reassuringly as she sensed his anger. It was very potent, and she had been around him long enough to know it was like. Dakota wasn't as aware of it but as a child they tried hard to keep her away from his negative emotions. More so after she had accidentally seen him kill someone due to her own impatience of wanting to see him. Of course she could still sense it, anger itself was a strong emotion and difficult to miss. His anger wasn't directed at her she knew but at the one who caused her pain and she was relieved that they didn't press her for more information. She wasn't quite ready to talk about it just now. Her mother knew what she was feeling, she had gone through this and yet she just couldn't talk about it. "Mathias?" Her voice was filled with surprise as she looked up, obviously she hadn't expected her father to ask about the hybrid. Neither were a big fan of him because of past experience, she was sure he only remained in one piece now because of her. "He's okay." Was Mathias okay though? He was still unhappy about his condition, but he was healthy and alive. "He saved me from a man who tried to kidnap me when mom went back for you and he's stuck around sense." A tiny smile crossed her lips. There was no regret but some part of her wished she could have still been there when her mother came back for her. "I test his patience a lot, but I don't have many friends." Kota was sure she didn't have to say why she didn't have friends, not many wanted to be her friend back in the old city for the same reason: she was the daughter of a 'monster.'

Airic smirked and gave his hand a small dismissive wave, stepping into the room. He glanced back briefly to see if any of the guards had caught on yet. To little surprise they hadn’t come running upon knowledge of his presence, then again, this wasn’t the first time he managed to get past them to come visit her. “In my defense, they are doing a poor job of keeping security of the main doors,” he pointed out. The warmth that had seeped through his chest faded a little, like the wick of a candle running out. She didn’t appear unhappy to see him, but he certainly felt like he was happier to see her than she was of him. Of course, he assumed it was because of work. It always had a funny way of swimming around in her thoughts all the time. This was something he understood well, back in the Fallen City his job had been his life. He twirled the white flowers in his hand a little and approached Lucy, extending them towards her like an offering. “Can’t a man come see his wife without there being something wrong?” Airic questioned, pursing his lips. A soft sigh escaped his lips, but he smiled again, that same mischievous and quirky smile he’s always had. “But I’ll put your mind at ease, nothing is wrong. I was just taking a break and strolling about the city, thought I might stop by and say hi. You know, it’s been a few days since I’ve seen you,” Airic stated in a matter-of-fact tone. He didn’t blame her for anything though, wasn’t angry, merely eager to be at her side again if only for a little.

The violet-eyed man kept a keen focus on the gentle pressure of his wife’s hand around his, she was his rock. She kept him grounded, sane, and often he believed she kept him from slipping back to who he once was. Crypt Augustine did not regret his life in the Fallen City, everything happened for a reason, and he had truly believed he was doing the right thing. Even if not all saw it that way. However, the flashes of anger and pit of darkness still lingered somewhere deep within him. Pyra kept that shadow of his tucked away. He lifted her hand and pressed a brief kiss against the back of it, a silent thank you. He returned his attention to their daughter who spoke of the hybrid. He was grateful that the hybrid had watched over Dakota in their absence, but obviously he wished they hadn’t lost her to begin with. “Ah, well I am relieved you found someone to keep you company,” Crypt replied with a small smile. He was, however, sadden to hear that the hybrid had become one of few friends to her. The Augustine name was a tainted one, he wished he could wash it clean for the sake of his wife and daughter. “Do you have a job in the city?” He inquired, tilting his head.

Mathias did his best to tune out the conversations of the small family in the living room, he had no business listening in and yet it really couldn't be helped. Being both werewolf and vampire did little to stifle his heightened senses. He wrung out the kitchen ran and draped it over the faucet, looking around the kitchen. It was practically glistening with how many times he's managed to clean it by now. After all, there really was only so many times he could continue to clean the room. He looked towards the entry way that led into the living room and wrinkled his nose, perhaps he could slink by unnoticed. He didn't wish to disturb their family time. He would head into another room and start cleaning again, keep himself occupied. Just as he was approaching the entryway he heard his name, though it was the voice of Crypt that brought him into conversation. This surprised him, just as it seemed it had Kota. He shook his head a little and continued, stepping into the living room silently. He made his way quickly and quietly across the living room towards one of the other rooms, trying to remain invisible.

Lucy pursed her lips, she would have to have a chat with the guards. They did a splendid job when it came to protecting her but she would have to make sure at least one stayed by the entrance. Not because of Airic and his sneaking around, but because of every other potential threat out there. There had been no direct threats to her own life as of yet, but one never knew when things could take a turn. A Leader was a highly valuable person to an enemy and she was aware that even though she had an agreement with the Human Leader there were those of her people who were unhappy about it. Just as there were some vampires who were unhappy about it she was sure. "I'll speak with them, although I'm sure they knew it was you and they're probably extremely aware that you wouldn't hurt me." She replied quietly, closing the folder in her hand as she looked him over. He was all messy what with charcoal on his skin and somehow in his hair. A sight she was more than used to by now although she still, to this day, wondered how he managed to get it in his hair. What a silly man, yet the fondness faded and guilt settled upon her stomach at the next few words that left his lips. It had been a while since she was last home, she had said it herself, but he had a way of making the guilt eat at her in such a painful way, even if he didn't mean to. The way he spoke, a look...it was moments like this that made her regret taking this job. At the same time she was way too stubborn to quit, it was a never ending battle for her. She looked away as she winced, smoothing her hair back with her free hand. "It's been hectic here...a lot has happened..." A sigh as her gaze flickered to the flowers he held out but she was hesitant to take them, she felt as if she didn't deserve them. "I'm sure you've heard about that one Elder's son..." It had been big news, she had had many arrive at her doorstep in fear that the city wasn't safe anymore. She had done her best to reassure them but she really didn't know.

Dakota sat silently, staring at a random spot in the floor and absentmindedly messing with the ring on her pointer finger. His ring. There were few others she got along with but she couldn't say they were friends. Claire and Elijah were always kind despite the things her father did. They saw her as her own being and held no ill will towards her because of what her name was. She was a lot like her father but she was not him. As for work, it was the same thing to an extent. Many didn't want to work with her and she had refused to take on an actual full time job because she had been set on finding her parents, but she did take on small jobs here and there to help Mathias pay for things they needed. He couldn't do it all himself, she would feel so guilty. "Not really...but I take on small jobs here and there. Errands and...stuff like that." She shrugged. It wasn't much, nothing like what her father or mother have done, but it was something. Yet she didn't want to go into why she didn't have a proper job, she didn't want to make them feel any more guilty than they already did.

Kota seemed lost in her thoughts so she didn't hear or see Mathias enter the room, but Pyra did. She paid attention to her family and what they were saying of course, felt Crypt's lips touch the back of her hand and squeezed his again to let him know that she was there, but her curious gaze was on the hybrid. He was a curious thing, different from when they last saw him, seemingly, but she still found herself to be wary of him. At least he hadn't harmed Dakota, but she was sure he knew that if he had he wouldn't be all together now. The man seemed to be trying to make himself appear as small as possible as he crept through the room which made her think that he wasn't trying to eavesdrop. It was also comical in a way, for back in the Fallen City he had never acted so timidly. Had a way of irritating the Rebels and Crypt to no end. A part of her hoped Crypt didn't spot him and think otherwise, for the sake of their daughter mostly. Dakota was visibly shaken, Pyra didn't think she could handle them going at each other right now. Besides he did have something going for him, he cared for Dakota and kept her alive when they couldn't and for that she would always be somewhat grateful. Not that she felt any fondness for the man but she wasn't ready to let her husband hurt him. Yet. Things could always change.

“Mmm, true. To be honest, they know you could take me down if it ever came down to that,” Airic chuckled warmly. It would never come down to that though. He could never hurt her, not his Lucy. His gaze fell on the folder quietly and he shifted weight from one foot to the other. He felt like he was intruding, and she was probably busy…but he couldn’t help it. He needed to see her, to hear her, if only for a little bit. He gazed at Lucy as she looked away, he frowned a little bit. He hadn’t meant to upset her, he could tell he hit a nerve. Airic smiled reassuringly “No, no, I understand. Your job is important," he said lightly “Albeit hectic sometimes…” His hand dropped a little and he peered at the flowers thoughtfully, pursing his lips. “I heard about it, who hasn’t. Everyone is talking about it.” He looked back at her, his gaze saddened a little “Tragic news, I wish I could offer him my condolences,” he commented thoughtfully. He peered around the office for a moment “Do you have any more news on it?” He questioned, sighing softly. Airic wasn’t the biggest fan talking about work, but he supposed he should expect it since she worked so often. Again, he wasn’t upset or angry. He understood her job well. He only worried about her, that she was overworking herself. Airic looked back at Lucy and smiled lightly, gazing at her warmly. No matter what, his love never faltered.

Crypt was well aware of Mathias’s brief presence, but for the sake of everyone in the room, he ignored it. The last thing any of them needed was his building anger towards Damian to be unleashed on the Hybrid who seemed to have done so much to help their daughter. He supposed he was frustrated that the Hybrid had managed to do some good in this world after having been such a pain in his rear for so many years. Don’t start, he warned himself, instead keeping his focus on Dakota. It was hard to accept that they were really there, that she was really there before them. After so many years of searching…Crypt smiled faintly as Dakota spoke, nodding a little to show his acknowledgement. It was good that she was going out and working, even if it was only small jobs here and there. He wanted nothing more for her than to be able to live her life. Perhaps in time the name Augustine would fade away and she wouldn't be haunted by his doings.

It was true, that she could take him down if she chose. Due to the things a man named Crypt had her parents do to her as a kid she was...different. Not by a lot, but the differences were noticeable, especially to those who knew the truth of those times. The time when she had been human. "I'm sure it won't come to that." Unless he grew tired of her absence she was sure that he would never harm her. He wasn't the type to get annoyed by such things for he knew what it was like. There had been a time where he had worked a lot, back before things turned bad in the Fallen City. They had worked together, but he had been higher up and therefore had more responsibilities. She had understood as he did now though it was interesting how those roles reversed over time. How she now was the busy one and he waited for her but it was also saddening. "I'm sure he would appreciate the thought." She smiled faintly, but after a moment it turned into a frown of concern. "Werewolf venom. He was stabbed with a blade full of it, but he's doing well. He's set to go home soon from what I've been told. The medicine the Elder's wife made...is remarkable." It's been known for some time that the humans had gotten their hands on the venom, and it was worrisome. Yet they were lucky to have Claire and her knowledge. "That is all I know right now, but it's good news." Some of the only good news lately she felt. There was still the disappearance and no resolution had been found for that just yet. She had people out there looking, but so far nothing. "There's been a disappearance too..." At this she glanced down at the folder and then him, hesitant which wasn't normal for her. Usually, when she wasn't exhausted, she was straightforward, but it wasn't so easy to be now in this moment.

Kota fell silent as her parents did, unsure what to say now. It was a bit stuffy in the room now, or maybe that was just the mess that was her emotions. They were all over the place at the moment but she was aware that she was happy, to have her parents back. At the same time it felt so surreal and she was afraid that any moment she would wake up and they'd be gone again. A sigh left her as she finally pulled her gaze away from the carpet, finally able to sense Mathias was, or had been, in the room now that she wasn't so distracted by the floor. Despite feeling it she didn't turn to confirm it. What would she do about it anyway? Mathias probably didn't want their attention on him right now. Her father had asked her a lot of questions and she hadn't asked a single one though it wouldn't be a lie to say she was nervous to. Her mother was quiet but that wasn't unusual as she had often said that she enjoyed watching them talk, it amused her. Pyra was a very simple woman and it was the small things in life that made her happy, watching over her family and hearing them have fun. No one was particularly happy at the moment but she knew this would be a long road for all of them. She looked away from the hybrid and back to her daughter as Dakota shifted in her seat, messing with a black ring on her finger that was all too familiar to Pyra. When she had time to grab it she didn't know, but it was endearing. She didn't point it out to Crypt, didn't have time to as Dakota shifted nervously again and this time spoke. "Wh-where were you? After the city...b-before now...?"

Pyra wasn't entirely sure how to answer that, to her it felt like they had been many places, but she knew where they started. "A woman, Kya, she helped me save your father. We've been with her."